The 5 Best Types of Training Delivery Methods and How to Use Them

Choosing the proper training delivery method can be difficult, given the numerous factors to consider: budget, workforce size, style, location, etc. Whatever type you choose, your training delivery method should meet your learners’ needs and your organization’s goals.

The article will walk you through 5 main types of training delivery methods and how to choose a suitable one.

5 Main Types of training delivery methods

#1: 100% eLearning

eLearning is one of the most recent forms of training delivery method. It provides comprehensive training through an online portal or corporate LMS (learning management system). 

By logging into the system, employees can gain access to the training. Therefore, just using a computer, smartphone, or tablet with an Internet connection, learners can learn without going to a physical classroom.

Training staff can now easily manage each employee’s training process by tracking and assessing tools within the LMS. They can track learners’ viewing of the content and their average test results. 

You may believe that eLearning is only for employees who cannot attend a physical class. Many digital learning departments are converting some periodic training courses into eLearning. Some topic examples include soft-skill training series, data security, cultural awareness, and anti-harassment training.

Microlearning videos are one of the most popular content types of e-learning. You can break down the training program into shorter sections or topics using video.  

Learning through videos doesn’t require learners to finish the session in a single session or on a strict timetable. Employees can schedule one-on-one sessions in their leisure time, whether in a coffee shop or living room.

Take this health and safety training video from our partner Intelycare, for example. With a familiar design with relevant characters and situations, the video interacts with viewers and spreads its message. Employees can learn IntelyCare’s video to avoid workplace risks.

#2: Hybrid learning 

Hybrid learning is a type of training delivery method in which some learners attend class in person while others participate virtually from home. Educators use video conferencing hardware and software to teach remote and in-person learners simultaneously.

To supplement face-to-face classroom sessions, hybrid classes may include online classroom elements such as

• Online exercises
• Pre-recorded video instruction. 

When well-planned, hybrid courses combine the best elements of in-person and online learning, making education more accessible to a broader range of learners.

Both face-to-face and online learning have advantages and disadvantages. Hybrid learning aims to mix the two formats into a unified learning experience with no gaps. 

The following are the advantages of hybrid learning:

• A versatile learning experience
• Freely explore academic knowledge
• Opportunities for real-time communication

#3: Blended learning

Blended learning combines the best of two training environments: traditional face-to-face classroom instruction and cutting-edge eLearning. 

By covering all bases, you can engage all learners: Those who learn best in a school setting with face-to-face interaction with an instructor and those who know best with computer-based training.

The classroom allows for role-playing with immediate face-to-face feedback. Online learning provides personalized, self-paced learning through eLearning elements such as games, videos, tutorials, and quizzes.

Take the permaculture design course by Geoff Lawton as an example. The course advises creating a resilient lifestyle for yourself and your neighborhood. Besides e-learning courses with instructors, you can participate in outdoor activities for more in-depth learning. During your outdoor learning process, the instructor will show you around real-life models, gardens, etc. Below is the part of the Permaculture course made by F.Learning: 

#4: Instructor-led training

Instructor-led training is a traditional method of employee training but is still effective. You should consider this type of training delivery method for complex subjects that need much explanation, brainstorming, and discussion:

• Technical training
• Product Training
• Regulatory compliance

Employees, in particular, enroll in a physical or virtual classroom with at least one instructor delivering lectures. Standard instructor-led training formats include regular face-to-face classrooms, virtual classrooms, and webinars.

Depending on the format, instructors can discuss the topics using a  blackboard/whiteboard or a PowerPoint presentation. Instructors can divide lectures into shorter video segments for topic explanations or longer videos for case studies and discussions.

#5: Virtual Instructor-led learning (VILT)

VILT, or Virtual Instructor-Led Training, is training delivered via a virtual space when the instructor and learner are in different locations. A virtual learning environment attempts to imitate a traditional classroom to make online training more efficient and adaptable to learners.

For several reasons, many training providers have shifted to this type of training delivery method. First, VILT allows them to reach a larger, more distributed audience without charging the expense of travel or accommodation. 

Moreover, VILT provides learners greater convenience and flexibility regarding where and how they learn. COVID-19 accelerated this shift, forcing many to switch to VILT when face-to-face training became unavailable.

Benefits of VILT include

• For training providers, VILT helps to increase your audience reach, boost capacity, and cut expenses.
• For learners, VILT offers a flexible learning experience and helps to save time and improve knowledge retention.

How to choose the training delivery methods

When developing a training program, delivery is an important consideration you should prioritize as one of the final steps.

Here is a list of crucial questions to consider when deciding on a method:

• What does your training program aim at? (For example, to master the art of presentation, you need a live session to practice. But if you want to be good at Microsoft Office, then online exercises are ok)
• Who are your learners? (Are they near the training location? Are they ready to go to live events? What will it take for them to fit training into their schedule?)
• How much does each delivery method cost per learner?
• What is your financial situation?
• What development resources do you have? (Will you develop internally or outsource? What is your initial L&D team’s capacity?)
• Do you have enough time for content creation?

Conclusion

People are diverse, businesses are various, and training is diverse; it’s no surprise that there are numerous ways to reach your learners. Choosing the right type of training delivery method is a huge task, which is why you cannot treat it as a separate task from the overall training program development process.

Read more:

• How to Write Training Objectives Effectively
• 7 Best Employee Training Methods L&D Managers Must Know